In 2017, I graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Media Studies. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to swim professionally, but it wasn’t until I qualified for the Olympics in 2016 that I could truly visualize making that my career and taking an alternate path after graduation. Upon finishing my eligibility that year at the NCAA Championships, I signed with a swimsuit sponsor and corporate sponsor and began my career.

For 7 years, I trained under National Team coaches at the University of Arizona and the University of Texas and competed professionally for Team USA at various domestic and international competitions. My experience as a pro swimmer has been many things — challenging, rewarding, and demanding, but nonetheless incredible.

Swimming has given me a unique opportunity to get a look behind the curtain at what goes on in the world of sports, particularly in terms of advertising and professional athletes. I’ve had incredible opportunities to work with various companies on different campaigns, such as J. Crew, TRX Training, TYR Sport, USA Swimming, and US Air Force to name a few. I believe this experience will be invaluable in my future career in advertising, and will give me a unique perspective in this field. Check out some of those campaigns here.